The object of my blog is to share my experiences while visiting the various race tracks on my motorcycle, which in this case is a 2005 Suzuki 650 Burgman Super-Scooter. I'm hoping you can use this as a bit of a guide as you go around the United States and Canada, and stopping from time to time to pick up some of the best and most fun grassroots racing on the planet. I'll try to change the track when I can and add tips on traveling from track to track. Thanks for stopping by.
COLUMBUS 151, WI
Located east of Madison, WI, 151 is a well manicured, clean, very enjoyable, family oriented asphalt track. It has been around for 30+ years and is the originator of the Backup race. What in the world is a Backup race? You might ask. Hobby stock type cars face the normal counter-clockwise direction, but race in reverse gear going clockwise. One thing you'll notice is a car or two with a spoiler or wing on the hood, since it is now the back of the car. It's quite a hoot! Along with the Backups they run Late Models, Street and Hobby Stocks and Bandits, with races on Friday nights and ending at a resonable hour. The stands here face south and a little east so the setting sun will never be in your eyes.
 |
| Parking Lot |
Everything is priced for the family and you'll love the fact that it's out in the beautiful Wisconsin countryside. The food is normal track food with nothing outstanding, although I didn't try everything there, but you're supposed to be going there for the races and not a dinner date anyway. The lighted parking lot is on the very top of a hilly ridge, but is wide and covered with neatly cut grass, very unique. One drawback, however, is the old and cracking fiberglass covering on the plank seating. It's not totally uncomfortable, but has a few spots that could pinch your backside, but just a few. Many people bring a lawn chair and prop it up in the grass, or lay a blanket out to relax and watch the great racing.
 |
| Track View |
I try to camp at the tracks, mainly to save a few bucks, and every track is different. This time I waited for the races to be over and pitched my tent in the Handicapped Parking area. There weren't any RV hookups where I was camped, but that doesn't mean there aren't any available down by the pit area. If I were you, be self sustaining, electrically speaking, to be on the safe side. The restrooms were available over night. For Columbus 151, it's one of the easier tracks to camp at and then be able to leave the next morning. A lot of tracks have a locked gate to the parking lot, but not here. They also show up early the next morning to start picking up trash, which is when I had a chance to talk to the promoters. Turns out, they've been very creative while updating the separate buildings. Garage doors, bank windows, seats and other materiel have been recycled from other buildings being remodeled in the area in order to brighten up the old girl.
I noticed after the races were over at several tracks this past year, the pits emptied faster than someone shouting "FIRE!!" in a movie theater. Sad, very sad. Not here though, you might even stumble into a party in the pits after the races. It is Wisconsin after all. Columbus 151 is one of the old grassroots tracks that need to survive. Is it the fastest and fanciest track on the continent? No, but it is one of the more relaxing and fun venues to take your family on a Friday night. Check it out some time.
To check out their site, go to: http://www.columbus151.com/
Your friend,
Gabby
No comments:
Post a Comment